Baked Cottage Cheese Donuts Recipe

Smooth the cottage cheese: If your cottage cheese has lumps, press it through a fine mesh sieve to achieve a smooth consistency. You want the cottage cheese to blend seamlessly into the dough, creating a soft texture in the donuts.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract), vegetable oil, and sour cream. Stir well using a whisk or spoon until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. The cottage cheese should be fully incorporated into the batter, resulting in a creamy texture.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Be sure to add the flour slowly, in small increments, to avoid over-drying the dough.
Knead the dough: Once all the flour is added, use your hands to gently knead the dough. The dough should be soft and non-sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be cautious not to add too much, as this can result in dense donuts.

Divide the dough: Once the dough is ready, divide it into 12 equal portions. You can do this by shaping the dough into a log and slicing it into equal pieces.
Form the donuts: Take each portion of dough, roll it into a ball, and then flatten it slightly. Use your finger or the end of a wooden spoon to create a hole in the center, forming a donut shape. Be sure to leave a bit of thickness in the center so the donuts hold their shape while baking.
Prepare for baking: Place the shaped donuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced slightly apart to allow for even baking.

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). This temperature is perfect for creating golden, tender donuts without drying them out.
Bake for 20-25 minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The donuts are done when they are golden on the outside and firm to the touch. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s best to check them at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready.

Dust with powdered sugar: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. This step is optional but adds a lovely visual and sweet flavor to the donuts.

Serve with jam: These donuts pair wonderfully with a spoonful of your favorite jam or fruit preserves. Serve the donuts alongside jam or cut them in half and spread the jam inside for a tasty surprise.

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Cottage cheese texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, always pass the cottage cheese through a sieve to remove lumps. The smoother the cottage cheese, the more even and delicate the donut texture will be.
Flour consistency: Be cautious not to add too much flour. You want the dough to remain soft and slightly sticky, as this will keep the donuts moist and light.

Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the donuts in the oven. Overbaking will result in a drier texture, so it’s best to pull them out as soon as they turn golden and pass the toothpick test.